Devils D Ben Lovejoy pledges brain for concussion research

on December 7, 2017

Photo: Julio Cortez, AP

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New Jersey Devils defenseman Ben Lovejoy (12) clears the puck as Vancouver Canucks left wing Loui Eriksson (21), of Sweden, tries to get his stick on it during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Friday,New Jersey Devils defenseman Ben Lovejoy (12) clears the puck as Vancouver Canucks left wing Loui Eriksson (21), of Sweden, tries to get his stick on it during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, in Newark, N.J.

BOSTON (AP) — New Jersey Devils defenseman Ben Lovejoy says he will donate his brain to research after he dies so it can be studied for signs of traumatic injury.

The Concussion Legacy Foundation says Lovejoy is the first active NHL player to make such a pledge.

More than 2,500 retired athletes and military veterans have pledged their brains to the foundation. Doctors examine the brains for signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative condition that can cause depression, violent mood swings, forgetfulness and other cognitive problems.

Lovejoy says he's played hockey for most of his life, including 10 seasons in the NHL. He says he wants to give back to the sport by making it safer. He says he's had relatively little brain trauma in his career but has seen the effects concussions have had on teammates.